Charlie Gillett

Charlie Gillett (1942-2010) was a British radio broadcaster, journalist and author who became one of the most influential writers on popular music. He is particularly known for his 1970 book "The Sound of the City: The Rise of Rock and Roll," which is considered a seminal text in the history of popular music criticism. As a BBC radio presenter, Gillett championed world music and emerging artists, introducing audiences to genres and performers that would have otherwise remained unknown to Western listeners. His shows on BBC London and BBC World Service helped launch the careers of numerous artists including Dire Straits, Graham Parker, and Elvis Costello. Gillett was also a music industry figure who co-founded Oval Records and managed Ian Dury early in his career. His writing appeared in multiple publications including New Musical Express, The Observer, and The Sunday Times, where he provided astute analysis of popular music trends and emerging artists. His academic background in economics and his analytical approach to music history helped establish popular music as a serious subject for study. Beyond his broadcasting and writing work, Gillett taught at Goldsmiths College and was a respected voice in discussions about the cultural impact of popular music.

Readers consistently praise Gillett's "The Sound of the City" for its detailed research and clear analysis of rock and roll's development. Amazon reviewers note his skill at connecting social history to musical evolution. Readers appreciate: - Historical context and thorough documentation - Focus on business aspects of early rock and roll - Clear writing style that avoids academic jargon - Coverage of lesser-known artists and regional scenes Common criticisms: - Dense writing requires focused reading - Some find the economic analysis sections dry - Limited coverage of music after 1960 - Print editions have small text size Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (52 reviews) One reader called it "the first serious book about rock's history that didn't talk down to its audience." Another noted: "Gillett digs deep into the business machinery behind the music, which makes this different from other rock histories." His other books receive fewer reviews but similar ratings, with readers valuing his factual, research-based approach.

The Sound of the City: The Rise of Rock and Roll (1970) A historical examination of rock and roll's development from 1955 to 1970, focusing on regional scenes, record labels, and musical innovations.

Making Tracks: Atlantic Records and the Growth of a Multi-Billion-Dollar Industry (1974) A detailed study of Atlantic Records' evolution and its role in shaping the modern music industry.

Inside the Music Business (1983) An analysis of music industry structures and practices, covering record companies, publishing, promotion, and artist management.

The Sound of the City: The Rise of Rock and Roll - Revised Edition (1996) An updated version of the 1970 text incorporating new research and extending the historical coverage through the mid-1990s.

Peter Guralnick writes biographies focused on early rock and R&B artists including Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, and Sam Phillips. His research incorporates extensive interviews and primary sources to document the birth of rock and roll music.

Greil Marcus examines popular music through cultural and historical lenses, connecting musical movements to broader societal shifts. His work covers folk, punk, blues and rock while exploring links between music and politics.

Dave Marsh chronicles rock history with emphasis on social context and artist backgrounds. He has authored reference works and biographies covering The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and The Who.

Robert Palmer traces the development of blues, rock and world music through detailed musical analysis and historical research. His work connects musical styles across regions and explains technical elements of different genres.

Simon Frith studies popular music from sociological and cultural theory perspectives. He examines how music relates to identity, gender, and commercial systems through academic analysis.